Challenges and problems of urban forest development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

A study was carried out in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. Urban forests in Addis Ababa are affected by various problems such as encroachment, illegal cuttings, low legal enforcement and improper tree selection. Consequently, the main objective of this study was to assess the challenges and problems of the city’s urban forests and to provide recommendations for different stakeholders who manage and participate in rehabilitating them. To achieve this, primary and secondary data were collected from government organisations who engage in the planting and care of urban trees. Results show the rate of illegal human intrusion doubled in two forest areas between the years 1997 and 2008. Of seedlings planted along the major road of the city, 87% were exotic species with their proportions ranging between 60 and 84%. The diversity of tree species along streets was very low (i.e. about 0.40%). Between 25 and 100% similarities of tree species were found among differing street locations. Among the exotic tree species recorded Grevillea robusta, Acacia melanoxylon and Jacaranda mimosifolia were found in the greatest proportions. The density of exotic tree species in three public parks was higher than indigenous trees by 74.7, 66.9 and 72.1% respectively. New tree plantings were decreasing at a household level showing a ‘J’ shape curve (low proportion of trees at lower age classes and high proportion of trees at higher age classes). To maintain tree coverage increased lower age class trees need to be planted. Proper guidelines to develop and manage the urban forest need to be formulated. This will help to provide green coverage according to the master plan of the city which can last for a prolonged period without creating conflict between stakeholders.